Chemical Biology

Mechanistic studies in the Greenberg Group have identified an Achilles heel in DNA Polymerase θ, an enzyme that enables cancer cells to resist chemo- and radiotherapy. These findings provide direction for the syntheses of inhibitors of this important enzyme.

The Greenberg group discovered that DNA methylation produces deleterious DNA-protein cross-links in the chromatin of cellular DNA. This determination could influence how biologists think about the cytotoxicity of drugs such as temozolomide (used to treat glioblastoma).

The experimental strategies of chemistry and biology are combined to answer significant questions on the nature of life processes. Investigations are designed to identify the molecular foundations of structure and reactivity that control biological processes. Examples of current topics pursued at Johns Hopkins include mechanisms of nucleic damage and repair, antibiotic biosynthesis, drug development, signaling pathways, catalysis, and enzyme engineering.